What is the reducing agent in an acid perm?

In the context of an acid perm, the reducing agent plays a crucial role in reshaping the hair's bonds, allowing for new curls to be formed. Ammonium thioglycolate is recognized as a common reducing agent used in perm formulations because it has the ability to break disulfide bonds in the hair. This reaction is vital for changing the structure of the hair and is typically characterized by its ability to soften and bend the hair during the perming process.

Although glycerol monothioglycolate is sometimes mentioned in relation to acid perms, it is actually a milder thioglycolate and serves primarily as a conditioning agent rather than the primary reducing agent. Unlike ammonium thioglycolate, which actively reduces the disulfide bonds, glycerol monothioglycolate has a more gentle effect and is often used in formulations designed for finer or more sensitive hair types, making it important to understand its role in the overall process.

Sodium hydroxide, known for its strong alkalinity, is used in alkaline perms but not in acid perms, thus distinguishing its use. Polyquaternium is a type of conditioning agent rather than a reducing agent, focusing on maintaining moisture and reducing static, rather than altering the hair